Ww 644 Returns to Service

The return of Ww 644 to revenue service after a boiler replacement and overhaul
13 photos in this gallery. Showing photos 1 - 13

For Ww 644's first solo revenue service, the locomotive was assigned to one of two trains run for Matariki, the first time the holiday was celebrated as a public holiday. Ww 644 and Ww 480 are seen here preparing for their trains before the event

24 June 2022

As part of Ww 644's return to service, a mainline test run was carried out for mainline certification. Here, Ww 644 coasts down the grade through Pokeno, with DBR 1254 on the rear as a backup and for providing a load via dynamic braking

30 June 2022

After a number of delays and a detour to Whangamarino, Ww 644 leads DBR 1254 up the grade through Pokeno returning to Glenbrook. Because of the delays, the planned run to Papakura was cancelled

30 June 2022

Ww 644 works hard with its train up the Whangarata bank through Pokeno

30 June 2022

After a slow trip from Whangarata, Ww 644 finally pulls into the loop at Pukekohe for water. Photo: Wendy Burgess

30 June 2022

DFB 7335 leads train 102 through Pukekohe, passing Ww 644 and ADL 805 at the same time. Train 102 closely followed Ww 644 from Whangarata, after catching up and being unable to pass the slow running test train. Photo: Wendy Burgess

30 June 2022

After Te Huia has cleared, ADL 805 moves to the Up Main for its next run to Papakura, also passing Ww 644. Photo: Wendy Burgess

30 June 2022

Ww 644 and DBR 1254 sit in the loop at Pukekohe waiting for the Mission Bush Branch to clear. Photo: Wendy Burgess

30 June 2022

On its second test run, Ww 644 drifts down the Whangarata bank en route to Mercer

3 September 2022

Ww 644 leads a carriage, AG 49 and DBR 1254 towards Mercer through Pokeno on its second mainline test run

3 September 2022

On the northbound leg from Mercer to Papakura, Ww 644 leads DBR 1254 across bridge 332 and Boundary Road as it whistles for the crossing, framed by a new and existing signal for resignalling in the area

3 September 2022

Ww 644 crosses bridge 332 heading for Papakura. The test train did not make it to Papakura on the last trip, whereas this trip ran much closer to plan

3 September 2022

Ww 644 heads into Papakura station limits on its test run, with DBR 1254 along for the ride as a backup and providing a load

3 September 2022

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